A rather aggressive dealer asked me a great question today. “Would AI or computervision replace a photo studio in the future?” I immediately told him it won’t happen because it will be adjusting the actual image of the vehicle itself.
I took the question to Google’s Gemini, and here are the results.
360Booth Strengths:
- Consistency: Standardized lighting and guidance tools ensure consistent, high-quality product shots for every vehicle.
- Transparency: 360° views and detailed images build trust with potential buyers by providing a comprehensive view of the car’s condition.
AI Imaging Potential:
AI imaging has the potential to revolutionize car photography, offering features like:
- Background Removal and Object Replacement: AI can automatically remove unwanted elements from the background or replace them with virtual environments.
- Image Enhancement: AI algorithms can enhance existing photos, adjusting lighting, color balance, and minor imperfections.
- 3D Modeling: Advanced AI could potentially generate 3D models of vehicles from 2D images, allowing for interactive online car exploration.
AI Limitations and Legal Concerns:
While AI offers exciting possibilities, replacing photo studios entirely might not be realistic in the near future. Here’s why:
- Manipulation vs. Enhancement: Legally, dealerships cannot manipulate images to misrepresent a car’s condition. AI-generated touch-ups on dents, scratches, or rust would be fraudulent.
- Accuracy and Control: Current AI might struggle with complex lighting conditions, reflections, or unique car features. Studios provide controlled environments for capturing accurate details.
- Human Expertise: A skilled photographer’s eye can capture specific angles and details that highlight a car’s best features.
The Future: Collaboration, Not Replacement
Instead of replacing photo studios, AI is more likely to become a collaborative tool. Studios can leverage AI for:
- Automated Background Removal: Saving time on post-processing.
- Image Consistency Checks: Ensuring every photo meets quality standards.
- Virtual Staging: Creating different car settings for online listings.
Conclusion
The 360Booth offers a unique solution for efficient and high-quality car photography. While AI has the potential to further enhance the process, it likely won’t replace the need for controlled studio environments and the expertise of professional photographers. In the future, studios will likely embrace AI as a valuable tool to streamline workflows and create even more compelling car imagery.
